Output feedback control circuit and switching power supply

ABSTRACT

An output feedback control circuit includes, for example, a first amplifier 140a configured to generate a first error signal ERR1 commensurate with a difference between an output voltage, which is fed to a load, or a feedback voltage FB commensurate therewith and a reference voltage REF, a second amplifier 140b configured to be faster than the first amplifier 140a and to generate a second error signal ERR2 commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage FB and the first error signal ERR1 (or the reference voltage REF), a calculator 145 configured to superimpose a remote sense signal RSGND, which is derived from a grounded terminal of the load, on the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the first amplifier 140a, and a capacitor Cc connected between an application terminal for the first error signal ERR1 and an application terminal for the remote sense signal RSGND.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention disclosed herein relates to an output feedback control circuit and a switching power supply using the same.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, switching power supplies, servo mechanisms, or the like incorporate an output feedback control circuit that performs output feedback control such that the output voltage remains equal to a predetermined reference voltage.

An example of known technology related to what has just been mentioned is seen in Patent Document 1 identified below.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese unexamined patent application     publication No. 2019-58027

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Inconveniently, conventional output feedback control circuits have room for further improvement in terms of achieving high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously.

In view of the above-mentioned problem encountered by the present inventors, an object of the invention disclosed herein is to provide an output feedback control circuit that can achieve high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously, and a switching power supply using the same.

Solution to Problem

For example, according to one aspect of what is disclosed herein, an output feedback control circuit includes a first amplifier configured to generate a first error signal commensurate with a difference between an output voltage, which is fed to a load, or a feedback voltage commensurate therewith, and a predetermined reference voltage, a second amplifier configured to be faster than the first amplifier and to generate a second error signal commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the first error signal or the reference voltage, a calculator configured to superimpose a remote sense signal, which is derived from a grounded terminal of the load, on the reference voltage, which is fed to the first amplifier, and a capacitor connected between an application terminal for the first error signal and an application terminal for the remote sense signal.

Other characteristics, elements, steps, advantages, and features will emerge from the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention and the attached drawings relating thereto.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With the invention disclosed herein, it is possible to provide an output feedback control circuit that can achieve high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously, and a switching power supply using the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a switching power supply.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a reason why it is difficult to achieve high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously with a single amplifier.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of introducing a remote sense function.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a switching power supply according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exterior view of a television receiver.

FIG. 20 is an exterior view of a personal computer.

FIG. 21 is an exterior view of a smartphone.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

<Switching Power Supply (Basic Configuration)>

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a switching power supply. The switching power supply 100 of this configuration example is a PWM (pulse width modulation) DC-DC converter that generates from an input voltage PVDD an output voltage VOUT to feed it to an unillustrated load. The switching power supply 100 includes a switching output circuit 110, a feedback voltage generation circuit 120, a reference voltage generation circuit 130, an error amplifier 140, a ramp signal generation circuit 150, an oscillator 160, a PWM comparator 170, a control circuit 180, and a switch driving circuit 190.

Preferably, the circuit elements mentioned above are, except some of them (an inductor 113 and a capacitor 114 in FIG. 1 ) included in the switching output circuit 110, integrated into a semiconductor integrated circuit device 200 (what is called a power control IC) that serves as the main controlling agent in the switching power supply 100. The semiconductor integrated circuit device 200 can have any circuit elements (such as various types of protection circuits) other than those enumerated above incorporated into it as necessary.

The semiconductor integrated circuit device 200 includes, as a means for establishing electrical connection with outside the device, a plurality of external terminals (FIG. 1 shows, as an example, four terminals, namely a power terminal T1, an output terminal T2, a ground terminal T3, and a feedback terminal T4).

The switching output circuit 110 is a bucking (step-down) switching output stage which, by turning on and off high-side and low-side switches that are connected together to form a half bridge, drives an inductor current IL to generate the output voltage VOUT from the input voltage PVDD. The switching output circuit 110 includes an output transistor 111, a synchronous rectification transistor 112, an inductor 113, and a capacitor 114.

The output transistor 111 is a PMOSFET (P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) that functions as a high-side switch in the switching output stage. Inside the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200, the source of the output transistor 111 is connected to the power terminal T1 (that is, an application terminal for the input voltage PVDD). The drain of the output transistor 111 is connected to the output terminal T2 (that is, an application terminal for a switching voltage SW). The gate of the output transistor 111 is connected to an application terminal for a high-side gate signal G1. The output transistor 111 is off when the high-side gate signal G1 is at high level and is on when the high-side gate signal G1 is at low level.

The synchronous rectification transistor 112 is an NMOSFET (N-channel MOSFET) that functions as a low-side switch in the switching output stage. Inside the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200, the source of the synchronous rectification transistor 112 is connected to the ground terminal T3 (that is, an application terminal for a ground voltage PVSS). The drain of the synchronous rectification transistor 112 is connected to the output terminal T2. The gate of the synchronous rectification transistor 112 is connected to an application terminal for a low-side gate signal G2. The synchronous rectification transistor 112 is on when the low-side gate signal G2 is at high level and is off when the low-side gate signal G2 is at low level.

The inductor 113 and the capacitor 114 are discrete components that are externally connected to the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200. The inductor 113 and the capacitor 114 form an LC filter that rectifies and smooths the switching voltage SW to generate the output voltage VOUT. Outside the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200, the first terminal of the inductor 113 is connected to the output terminal T2 of the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200. The second terminal of the inductor 113 and the first terminal of the capacitor 114 are connected to an application terminal for the output voltage VOUT and to the feedback terminal T4. The second terminal of the capacitor 114 is connected to a grounded terminal.

The output transistor 111 and the synchronous rectification transistor 112 are turned on and off complementarily in accordance with the high-side and low-side gate signals G1 and G2. Such on/off operation generates at the first terminal of the inductor 113 the switching voltage SW with a rectangular waveform that is pulse-driven between the input voltage PVDD and the ground voltage GND. Here, the term “complementarily” covers not only operation where the on/off states of the output transistor 111 and the synchronous rectification transistor 112 are completely reversed, but also operation where there is provided a period (a dead time) in which both transistors are simultaneously off.

The output type of the switching output circuit 110 is not limited to a bucking type as mentioned above; it may instead be any of a boosting (step-up) type, a boost/buck (step-up/-down) type, and an inverting type. Likewise, the rectification type of the switching output circuit 110 is not limited to a synchronous rectification type as mentioned above; it may instead be a diode rectification type using a rectifier diode as the low-side switch.

The output transistor 111 can be replaced with an NMOSFET. In that case, a bootstrap circuit or a charge pump circuit is needed to raise the high level of the high-side gate signal G1 up to a voltage value higher than the input voltage PVDD.

A configuration is also possible where the output transistor 111 and the synchronous rectification transistor 112 are externally connected to the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200. In that case, instead of the output terminal T2, terminals for feeding out the high-side and low-side gate signals G1 and G2 respectively are needed.

In particular, in applications where a high voltage is applied to the switching output circuit 110, as the output transistor 111 and the synchronous rectification transistor 112, high-withstand-voltage elements such as power MOSFETs and IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors) or SiC transistors and GaN transistors can be used respectively.

The feedback voltage generation circuit 120 includes resistors 121 and 122 which are connected in series between the feedback terminal T4 (that is, the application terminal for the output voltage VOUT) and a grounded terminal. The feedback voltage generation circuit 120 yields from the connection node between the resistors a feedback voltage FB (that is, a division voltage of the output voltage VOUT) commensurate with the output voltage VOUT.

In a case where the output voltage VOUT is within the input dynamic range of the error amplifier 140, the feedback voltage generation circuit 120 may be omitted, in which case the output voltage VOUT can be fed directly to the error amplifier 140. Or, a capacitor may be connected in parallel with the resistor 121.

Yet another configuration is possible where the resistors 121 and 122 are externally connected to the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200. In that case, the connection node between the resistors 121 and 122 can be connected to the feedback terminal T4.

The reference voltage generation circuit 130 generates a predetermined reference voltage REF (corresponding to a set target value of the output voltage VOUT). For the reference voltage generation circuit 130, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) can be used which converts a digital reference voltage setting signal to an analog reference voltage REF. With this configuration, it is possible, by using the just-mentioned reference voltage setting signal, to achieve soft starting at start-up and to adjust the output voltage VOUT.

The error amplifier 140 generates an error signal ERR that is commensurate with the difference between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140. The error signal ERR rises when the feedback voltage FB is lower than the reference voltage REF and falls when the feedback voltage FB is higher than the reference voltage REF.

The ramp signal generation circuit 150 generates a ramp signal RAMP that rises during the on-period Ton of the output transistor 111 with a triangular waveform, a sawtooth-shaped waveform, or an nth-order slope waveform (e.g., n=2). The ramp signal RAMP, for example, starts to rise from a zero value at the turn-on of the output transistor 111, and is reset to a zero value at the turn-off of the output transistor 111.

The oscillator 160 generates an on signal ON (that is, a clock signal) that is pulse-driven at a predetermined switching frequency fsw (=1/Tsw).

The PWM comparator 170 generates an off signal OFF by comparing the error signal ERR, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the PWM comparator 170, with the ramp signal RAMP, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the PWM comparator 170. The off signal OFF is at high level when the ramp signal RAMP is lower than the error signal ERR, and is at low level when the ramp signal RAMP is higher than the error signal ERR. That is, the higher the error signal ERR, the later the occurrence of a pulse in the off signal OFF, and the lower the error signal ERR, the earlier the occurrence of a pulse in the off signal OFF.

The control circuit 180 generates a high-side control signal S1 and a low-side control signal S2 in accordance with the on signal ON and the off signal OFF. Specifically, the control circuit 180, when a pulse occurs in the on signal ON, turns both the high-side and low-side control signals S1 and S2 to low level (that is, the logic level that keeps the switching voltage SW at high level) and, when a pulse occurs in the off signal OFF, turns both the high-side and low-side control signals S1 and S2 to high level (that is, the logic level that keeps the switching voltage SW at low level).

Thus, the later the occurrence of a pulse in the off signal OFF, the longer the on-period Ton of the output transistor 111 (that is, the high-level period of the switching voltage SW); the earlier the occurrence of a pulse in the off signal OFF, the shorter the on-period Ton. That is, the higher the error signal ERR, the higher the on-duty D (=Ton/Tsw) of the output transistor 111, and the lower the error signal ERR, the lower the on-duty D.

The switch driving circuit 190 includes a high-side driver 191, which receives the high-side control signal S1 to generate the high-side gate signal G1, and a low-side driver 192, which receives the low-side control signal S2 to generate the low-side gate signal G2. For each of the high-side and low-side drivers 191 and 192, a buffer or an inverter can be used.

Of the circuit elements mentioned above, at least the error amplifier 140, the ramp signal generation circuit 150, the oscillator 160, the PWM comparator 170, the control circuit 180, and the switch driving circuit 190 can be understood as an output feedback control circuit that performs output feedback control to keep the feedback voltage FB (and hence the output voltage VOUT) equal to the predetermined reference voltage REF.

In particular, with the output feedback control circuit described above, the switching output circuit 110 is driven by fixed-frequency operation so as to reduce the error signal.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a first embodiment. As a means for achieving output feedback control of a current mode control type, the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the circuit elements described previously (in FIG. 2 , the switching output circuit 110, the error amplifier 140, the ramp signal generation circuit 150, the oscillator 160, the PWM comparator 170, and the control circuit 180 are expressly shown), a low-side current sensor 210, an information synthesizer 220, and an information holder 230.

In the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, as the error amplifier 140 that acquires voltage feedback information Vinfo in accordance with the output voltage VOUT (and hence the feedback voltage FB), a current-output amplifier is used which outputs differential current signals IP and IN. The differential current signals IP and IN are currents that pass in opposite directions, and increase and decrease in accordance with the difference between the feedback voltage FB and the reference voltage REF.

More specifically, the differential current signal IP behaves such that, when REF>FB, the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the differential current signal IP in the positive direction (the direction in which the current passes out of the error amplifier 140) and that, when REF<FB, the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the differential current signal IP in the negative direction (the direction in which the current passes into the error amplifier 140).

In contrast, contrary to the differential current signal IP, the differential current signal IN behaves such that, when REF>FB, the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the differential current signal IN in the negative direction and that, when REF<FB, the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the differential current signal IN in the positive direction.

The low-side current sensor 210 includes a switch 211 and a resistor 212, and senses the inductor current IL (hereinafter referred to as the low-side inductor current ILL) which passes through the synchronous rectification transistor 112 to acquire current feedback information Iinfo.

The first terminal of the switch 211 is connected to the drain of the synchronous rectification transistor 112 (that is, an application terminal for the switching voltage SW). The second terminal of the switch 211 is connected to the first terminal of the resistor 212. The second terminal of the resistor 212 is connected to the source (that is, an application terminal for the ground voltage PVSS) of the synchronous rectification transistor 112.

The switch 211 is, in accordance with the low-side gate signal G2, turned on and off along with the synchronous rectification transistor 112. More specifically, the switch 211 is on during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, and is off during the off-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112.

Thus, during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, as the current feedback information Iinfo mentioned previously, a low-side sense signal SNSL (=SW−PVSS=−ILL×RonL, where RonL is the on-resistance of the synchronous rectification transistor 112) which reflects the low-side inductor current ILL is transmitted to the information synthesizer 220. On the other hand, during the off-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, the low-side sense signal SNSL is fixed at a zero value via the resistor 212, and thus the high level of the switching voltage SW (≈PVDD) is not transmitted to the information synthesizer 220.

The low-side inductor current ILL can also be sensed by any method other than one involving the sensing of the drain-source voltage of the synchronous rectification transistor 112. For example, the terminal-to-terminal voltage across a sense resistor that is connected in series with the synchronous rectification transistor 112 can be sensed, or the drain-source voltage of a transistor for current sensing that is connected in parallel with the synchronous rectification transistor 112 can be sensed.

The information synthesizer 220 includes resistors 221 and 222 (both with a resistance value R), and generates synthesized feedback information VIinfo by combining the voltage feedback information Vinfo acquired by the error amplifier 140 with the current feedback information Iinfo acquired by the low-side current sensor 210.

The first terminal of the resistor 221 is connected to the first output terminal of the error amplifier 140 (that is, an output terminal for the differential current signal IP). The second terminal of the resistor 221 is connected to the first output terminal of the low-side current sensor 210 (that is, an output terminal for the low-side sense signal SNSL).

The first terminal of the resistor 222 is connected to the second output terminal of the error amplifier 140 (that is, an output terminal for the differential current signal IN). The second terminal of the resistor 222 is connected to the second output terminal of the low-side current sensor 210 (that is, an application terminal for the ground voltage PVSS).

Here, the positive-side differential error signal (a voltage signal) which is output from the first terminal of the resistor 221 can be given by the formula ERRP=IP×R+SW. The negative-side differential error signal (a voltage signal) which is output from the first terminal of the resistor 222 can be given by the formula ERRN=IN×R+PVSS (where IN=−IP).

Thus, the differential signal between the differential error signals ERRP and ERRN can be expressed by the formula ERRP−ERRN=21P×R−ILL×RonL. Here, the first term on the right side (21P×R) can be understood as the voltage feedback information Vinfo that is acquired by the error amplifier 140. Likewise, the second term on the right side (−ILL×RonL) can be understood as the current feedback information Iinfo that is acquired by the low-side current sensor 210. Thus, the differential signal mentioned above (ERRP−ERRN) can be understood as the synthesized feedback information VIinfo resulting from combining the voltage feedback information Vinfo with the current feedback information Iinfo.

The information holder 230 receives differential input of the synthesized feedback information VIinfo, and includes a pair of sample and hold circuits 231 and 232 for sampling, during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, the low-side peak value of the inductor current IL and for holding and outputting, during the on-period of the output transistor 111, differential hold signals HLDP and HLDN.

The sample and hold circuit 231 samples the differential error signal ERRP in accordance with the sample and hold control signal HOLD from the control circuit 180 during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, and holds and outputs the differential hold signal HLDP during the on-period of the output transistor 111.

The sample and hold circuit 232 samples the differential error signal ERRN in accordance with the sample and hold control signal HOLD from the control circuit 180 during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112, and holds and outputs the differential hold signal HLDN during the on-period of the output transistor 111.

The PWM comparator 170, during the on-period of the output transistor 111, compares the ramp signal RAMP, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the PWM comparator 170 (more precisely, the differential hold signal HLDN with the ramp signal RAMP added to it), with the differential hold signal HLDP, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the PWM comparator 170, to generate an off signal OFF, and thereby determines the turn-off time point of the output transistor 111.

With the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve output feedback control of the current mode control type, and thus it is possible to enhance the load response of the output voltage VOUT.

In particular, with a configuration that senses, instead of the inductor current IL passing through the output transistor 111 (hereinafter, referred to as the high-side inductor current ILH), the low-side inductor current ILL passing through the synchronous rectification transistor 112, even when the on-period of the output transistor 111 is short (for example, under high-voltage input or low-voltage output), it is possible to perform output feedback control of the current mode control type with no trouble.

For output feedback control of the current mode control type using the current feedback information Iinfo reflecting the low-side inductor current ILL, the information holder 230 (the sample and hold circuits 231 and 232) is needed to hold the current feedback information Iinfo acquired during the on-period of the synchronous rectification transistor 112 (that is, during the off-period of the output transistor 111).

Here, the information holder 230 is provided between the information synthesizer 220 and the PWM comparator 170 and holds the synthesized feedback information VIinfo that results from combining the voltage feedback information Vinfo with the current feedback information Iinfo.

With this configuration, during the hold-and-output period of the information holder 230, even when noise is introduced in the stage preceding the information holder 230, it has no effect on signal comparison in the PWM comparator 170. This permits stable duty cycle control.

In addition, by adding up the voltage feedback information Vinfo to the current feedback information Iinfo and then sampling and holding the result, it is possible to prevent time-related discrepancy between the voltage feedback information Vinfo and the current feedback information Iinfo and thereby to improve the performance of the switching power supply 100.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a second embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the basic configuration (FIG. 1 ) or the first embodiment (FIG. 2 ) described previously, further includes an error corrector 240 that detects an input error Vofs (=FB−REF) in the error amplifier 140, which includes no integrator element (except a parasitic element), to correct the input signals to the error amplifier 140 (that is, at least one of the feedback voltage FB and the reference voltage REF). The error corrector 240 includes a comparator 241 and a digital calibrator 242.

The comparator 241 is a means for detecting an input error Vofs (=FB−REF) in the error amplifier 140. The comparator 241 compares the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140, with the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140, to generate an input error detection signal S11. The input error detection signal S11 is at high level when FB>REF (Vofs>0), and is at low level when FB<REF (Vofs<0).

The control circuit 180, based on the input error detection signal S11, generates a digital calibration signal S12 so as to reduce the input error Vofs. For example, when the input error detection signal S11 is at high level, the digital calibration signal S12 can be generated so that the feedback voltage FB is lowered or/and the reference voltage REF is raised. By contrast, when the input error detection signal S11 is at low level, the digital calibration signal S12 can be generated so that the feedback voltage FB is raised or/and the reference voltage REF is lowered.

The digital calibrator 242, in accordance with the digital calibration signal S12, corrects at least one of the feedback voltage FB and the reference voltage REF. Suitably used as the digital calibrator 242 is, for example, a DAC. A configuration is also possible where the input error detection signal S11 is fed directly to the digital calibrator 242 and the digital calibration signal S12 is generated inside it. In this case, correction of the input error Vofs can be completed with the error corrector 240 alone, without requiring the control circuit 180.

Next, the significance of introducing the error corrector 240 will be described in detail.

A common error amplifier has, as an integrator element, a capacitor (of, for example, several tens of picofarads) for phase compensation and generates an error signal by charging and discharging the capacitor. This helps reduce the likelihood of oscillation but results in a limited signal bandwidth, making such an error amplifier unsuitable for achieving a high-speed voltage feedback control loop. On the other hand, eliminating an integrator element from an error amplifier helps achieve a high-speed voltage feedback control loop but, as a trade-off, makes it difficult to cancel out an input error in the error amplifier.

As a solution, the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while accelerating the voltage feedback control loop (from several tens of kilohertz to several megahertz) by using an error amplifier 140 which includes no integrator element, employs, separately from the error amplifier 140, an error corrector 240 for correcting an input error Vofs in the error amplifier 140.

Parallelizing high-speed voltage feedback and error correction in that way helps separate the design parameters for them, and this helps achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop. Unlike common error amplifiers, no capacitor for phase compensation is required, and thus it is also possible to reduce the area of the chip and the number of pins.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a third embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, like that of the second embodiment (FIG. 3 ) described previously, includes an error corrector 240, which here has a different circuit configuration.

More specifically, the error corrector 240 in this embodiment includes, in addition to the comparator 241 mentioned previously, a digital calibrator 246 and an error correction amplifier 247. The error corrector 240 detects an input error Vofs in the error amplifier 140 and corrects the output signals (the differential error signals ERRP and ERRN) from the error amplifier 140.

The digital calibrator 246 (for example, DAC), in accordance with the digital calibration signal S12, generates from the reference voltage REF a differential input signal to the error correction amplifier 247.

The error correction amplifier 247 generates correction currents IadjP and IadjN in accordance with the differential input signal from the digital calibrator 246 and adds the correction currents IadjP and IadjN respectively to the differential current signals IP and IN from the error amplifier 140.

Here, the error amplifier 140 has a role as an AC path (high-speed path) that transmits the change in the output voltage VOUT at high speed. Thus, the error amplifier 140 is designed to be capacitorless and with a focus on speed. More specifically, the error amplifier 140 can be said to be faster than the error correction amplifier 247.

On the other hand, the digital calibrator 246 and the error correction amplifier 247 have a role as a DC path (low-speed path) that determines the accuracy of the output voltage VOUT. Thus, the error correction amplifier 247, along with the digital calibrator 246 in the stage preceding it, is designed with a focus on power saving and accuracy. More specifically, the error correction amplifier 247 can be said to be more accurate than the error amplifier 140.

In this way, also with a configuration where, not the input signals to the error amplifier 140 but the output signals from the error amplifier 140 is corrected, it is possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a fourth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, like those of the second and third embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4 ) described previously, includes an error corrector 240, which here has a different circuit configuration.

More specifically, the error corrector 240 in this embodiment includes an error correction amplifier 243, a capacitor 244, and a resistor 245. The error corrector 240 detects an input error Vofs in the error amplifier 140 to generate a correction current Iadj (corresponding to a first error signal) and, using the correction current Iadj, corrects the error signal ERR0 (corresponding to a second error signal) from the error amplifier 140.

In this embodiment, for the sake of simple description, an error amplifier 140 of a single output type is taken as an example. Instead, as in the second and third embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4 ) described previously, the error amplifier 140 may be of a differential output type.

The error correction amplifier 243 generates the correction current Iadj commensurate with the difference (that is, the input error Vofs) between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error correction amplifier 243, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error correction amplifier 243. When FB<REF (that is, Vofs>0), the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the correction current Iadj in the positive direction (that is, the direction leading from the output terminal of the error correction amplifier 243 via the resistor 245 to the output terminal of the error amplifier 140). On the other hand, when FB>REF (that is, Vofs<0), the larger the difference between the two voltages, the larger the correction current Iadj in the negative direction (that is, the direction leading from the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 via the resistor 245 to the output terminal of the error correction amplifier 243).

Here, the error correction amplifier 243 is connected in parallel with the error amplifier 140 solely as a means for correcting the input error Vofs, and the current capacity of the error correction amplifier 243 is kept sufficiently lower (to, for example, several microamperes) than that of the error amplifier 140. To the output terminal of the error correction amplifier 243, a capacitor 244 of a low capacitance (for example, several picofarads) is connected. That is, the error correction amplifier 243 is an amplifier of a current output type incorporating an integrator element, with a processing speed slower, and accuracy higher, than those of the error amplifier 140.

The resistor 245 (with a resistance value Radj) is connected between the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 and the output terminal of the error correction amplifier 243 and serves as an adder that adds the terminal-to-terminal voltage across the resistor 245, as a correction voltage Vadj (=Iadj×Radj), to the error signal ERR to generate a corrected error signal ERR (=ERR0+Vadj).

For example, when FB<REF, the correction current Iadj passes in the positive direction, and thus the error signal ERR0 is raised by the correction voltage Vadj. As a result, the off-timing of the output transistor 111 delays by the period commensurate with the rise of the corrected error signal ERR, and thus the output voltage VOUT (and hence the feedback voltage FB) rises to reduce the input error Vofs.

On the other hand, when FB>REF, the correction current Iadj passes in the negative direction, and thus the error signal ERR0 is lowered by the correction voltage Vadj. As a result, the off-timing of the output transistor 111 advances by the period commensurate with the fall of the corrected error signal ERR, and thus the output voltage VOUT (and hence the feedback voltage FB) falls to reduce the input error Vofs.

In this way, by connecting the error correction amplifier 243 that is low-speed and accurate in parallel with the error amplifier 140, as with the second and third embodiments described previously, it is possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a fifth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, like those of the second, third, and fourth embodiments (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 ) described previously, includes an error corrector 240, which here has a different circuit configuration.

More specifically, the error corrector 240 according to this embodiment, while being based on the third embodiment (FIG. 4 ) described previously, includes, instead of the comparator 241 and the digital calibrator 246, the error correction amplifier 243 and the capacitor 244 in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 5 ).

The error correction amplifier 243 is a current-output amplifier having, at its output terminal, the capacitor 244 of a low capacitance (for example, several picofarads) connected thereto. An error voltage Vc that is charged to the capacitor 244 rises when FB<REF (Vofs>0), and falls when FB>REF (Vofs<0). Thus, the error correction amplifier 243 and the capacitor 244 correspond to an integrator that integrates an input error Vofs to generate an error voltage Vc.

The error correction amplifier 247 generates the correction currents IadjP and IadjN commensurate with the difference value between the error voltage Vc, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error correction amplifier 247, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error correction amplifier 247, and adds the correction currents IadjP and IadjN respectively to the differential current signals IP and IN from the error amplifier 140.

Here, as mentioned previously, the error amplifier 140 has a role as an AC path (high-speed path) that transmits the change in the output voltage VOUT at high speed. Thus, the error amplifier 140 is designed to be capacitorless and with a focus on speed. More specifically, the error amplifier 140 can be said to be faster than the error correction amplifier 247.

On the other hand, the error correction amplifier 247 and the integrator (that is, the error correction amplifier 243 and the capacitor 244) which is connected in the stage preceding it have a role as a DC path (low-speed path) that determines the accuracy of the output voltage VOUT. Thus, the error correction amplifier 247, along with the integrator in the stage preceding it, is designed with a focus on power saving and accuracy. More specifically, the error correction amplifier 247 can be said to be more accurate than the error amplifier 140.

With this configuration, as with the second, third, and fourth embodiments described previously, it is possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop.

In particular, when a light load mode (a power saving mode with reduced electric power consumption achieved by, under a light load, suspending the switching operation) is implemented in the switching power supply 100, it is important to enhance the transient response characteristics during recovery from the light load mode by achieving high-speed output feedback control using the error amplifier 140 that includes no integrator element.

However, the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, in the light load mode in which the switching operation is suspended, cannot hold the error voltage Vc in the integrator. This may lead to malfunctioning of the error correction amplifier 247 during recovery from the light load mode.

To avoid such an inconvenience, for example, a clamper (not shown) may be provided, in a stage succeeding the integrator, that limits the error voltage Vc so that it will not fall below a predetermined lower limit value even in the light load mode. Or, needless to say, it is possible, as in the second embodiment (FIG. 3 ) and the third embodiment (FIG. 4 ) described previously, to hold voltage information using the digital calibrator 246.

<Achieving High Speed and Enhanced Accuracy Simultaneously>

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a reason why it is difficult to achieve high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously with a single error amplifier 140. In the following description, it is assumed that the transconductance of the error amplifier 140 is gm.

As shown in FIG. 7 , in general, the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 is connected to a resistor Rc and Cc for phase compensation and in addition is accompanied by a resistor Ro and a capacitor Cp as parasitic elements. Thus, for example, in a case where the transfer function of the error amplifier 140 has two poles (a first pole and a second pole) and one zero point, the first pole is determined by gm, Ro, and Cc, the second pole by gm, Rc, and Cp, and the zero point by gm, Rc, and Cc.

Thus, the relationships among the two poles and one zero point are not independent of each other. In the semiconductor integrated circuit device 200, there are restrictions on the set values of the internal parameters (gm, Rc, Cc, etc.). Thus, it is difficult to set the two poles and one zero point as aimed at using a single error amplifier 140.

For example, increasing the device size of the error amplifier 140 with a view to improving the accuracy of the error amplifier 140 leads to an increased size of the parasitic capacitor Cp, and this results in slower response speed of the error amplifier 140. On the other hand, to enhance the response speed of the error amplifier 140 requires reducing the device size of the error amplifier 140 so as to minimize the parasitic capacitor Cp accompanying it, and this sacrifices the accuracy of the error amplifier 140.

In view of what has been discussed above, the following description proposes an output feedback control circuit that can achieve high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a sixth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment includes, as a component of the output feedback control circuit, instead of a single error amplifier 140, a first signal processor (for example, an error amplifier 140 a) that forms a first path (DC path/low-speed path) and a second signal processor (for example, an error amplifier 140 b) that forms a second path (AC path/high-speed path). That is, in the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, the error amplifier 140 described previously is separated into two. In the following description, it is assumed that the transconductances of the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b are gm1 and gm2 (where gm1≠gm2), respectively.

The error amplifier 140 a has a role as a DC path (low-speed path) that determines the accuracy of the output voltage VOUT. Accordingly, the error amplifier 140 a is designed with a focus on power saving and accuracy (high gain and low offset). More specifically, the error amplifier 140 a can be said to be more accurate than the error amplifier 140 b.

To the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 a, the capacitor Cc for phase compensation is connected. Thus, if Cc>>Cp, the parasitic capacitor Cp can be ignored. The output terminal of the error amplifier 140 a is accompanied by the resistor Ro as a parasitic element. As a result, the first pole is determined by gm1, Ro, and Cc.

By contrast, the error amplifier 140 b has a role as an AC path (high-speed path) that transmits the change in the output voltage VOUT at high speed. Accordingly, the error amplifier 140 b is designed to be capacitorless and with a focus on speed. More specifically, the error amplifier 140 b can be said to be faster than the error amplifier 140 a.

To the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 b, the resistor Rc for phase compensation is connected. Thus, if Rc<<Ro, the parasitic resistor Ro can be ignored. The output terminal of the error amplifier 140 b is accompanied by the capacitor Cp as a parasitic element. To put otherwise, to the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 b, no capacitor (for example, like the capacitor Cc for phase compensation) other than the parasitic element is connected. Thus, the error amplifier 140 b includes no integrator element. Thus, the second pole is determined by gm2, Rc, and Cp.

In this way, separately providing an error amplifier 140 a that forms a low-speed path and an error amplifier 140 b that forms a high-speed path makes it possible to set their respective transconductances gm1 and gm2 at any values independently of each other. As a result, the adjustable range of the transfer function expands, and it is thus possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9 , the low-frequency gain can be determined using the error amplifier 140 a that forms the low-speed path. For example, to raise the low-frequency gain, the transconductance gm1 can be reduced or the capacitance value of the capacitor Cc can be increased.

By contrast, the high-frequency gain can be determined using the error amplifier 140 b that forms the high-speed path. For example, to raise the high-frequency gain, the transconductance gm2 can be increased or the resistance value of the resistor Rc can be increased.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a seventh embodiment. The switching power supply 100 of this embodiment, while being based on the sixth embodiment (FIG. 8 ) described previously, includes a buffer 141 and a calculator 142 (in the example in FIG. 10 , an adder) in addition to the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b, and the resistor Rc and a capacitor Cc for phase compensation.

The error amplifier 140 a outputs an error signal ERR1 that is commensurate with the difference between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140 a, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140 a. As in the third embodiment (FIG. 4 ) described previously, to the input terminal of the error amplifier 140 a, the digital calibrator 246 that corrects the input error Vofs may be connected. In that case, the capacitor Cc may be omitted.

The error amplifier 140 b outputs an error signal ERR2 that is commensurate with the difference between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140 b, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140 b.

The buffer 141 is provided between the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 a and the calculator 142 and outputs the error signal ERR1 generated in the error amplifier 140 a to the calculator 142.

The calculator 142 adds the error signals ERR1 and ERR2 together to generate the error signal ERR and outputs it to the PWM comparator 170 (not shown) in a stage succeeding the calculator 142.

In this way, by separately providing the error amplifier 140 a that forms a low-speed path and the error amplifier 140 b that forms a high-speed path and performing addition/subtraction between the error signals ERR1 and ERR2 that are generated in the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b respectively, it is possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to an eighth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the sixth embodiment (FIG. 8 ) described previously, much ingenuity has been exercised in the interconnection between the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b.

The error amplifier 140 a outputs an error signal ERR1 that is commensurate with the difference between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140 a, and the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140 a. As in the third embodiment (FIG. 4 ) described previously, to the input terminal of the error amplifier 140 a, the digital calibrator 246 that corrects the input error Vofs may be connected. In that case, the capacitor Cc may be omitted.

The error amplifier 140 b generates the error signal ERR2 that is commensurate with the difference between the feedback voltage FB, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the error amplifier 140 b, and the error signal ERR1, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the error amplifier 140 b, and outputs, as the error signal ERR, the error signal ERR2 to the PWM comparator 170 (not shown) in a stage succeeding the error amplifier 140 b.

With the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, unlike the seventh embodiment (FIG. 10 ) described previously, it is possible to achieve a high-speed and simultaneously accurate voltage feedback control loop without requiring the buffer 141 and the calculator 142.

Although not specifically illustrated, reversing the input terminals for the feedback voltage FB and the reference voltage REF and in addition reversing the positive and negative input polarities of the error amplifier 140 b will give effects similar to those mentioned above.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a ninth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the eighth embodiment (FIG. 11 ) described previously, includes, as components in a stage succeeding the error amplifier 140 b, the switching output circuit 110, the PWM comparator 170, the control circuit 180, the low-side current sensor 210, the information synthesizer 220, and an on-time setter 250. Such components as have already been mentioned are basically identified by the same reference signs as in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and no overlapping description will be repeated. The following description focuses on the features unique to this embodiment.

The low-side current sensor 210 detects a low-side inductor current ILL that passes through the synchronous rectification transistor 112 to acquire current feedback information Iinfo.

The information synthesizer 220 combines the voltage feedback information Vinfo fed from the error amplifier 140 b with the current feedback information Iinfo acquired by the low-side current sensor 210 to generate synthesized feedback information VIinfo (that is, the differential error signals ERRP and ERRN).

The PWM comparator 170 compares the differential error signal ERRP, which is fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the PWM comparator 170, with the differential error signal ERRN, which is fed to the inverting input terminal (−) of the PWM comparator 170 and generates a set signal SET.

The on-time setter 250 generates a pulse in a reset signal RST when a predetermined on-time has passed after generation of a pulse in the set signal SET.

The control circuit 180 generates the high-side control signal S1 and the low-side control signal S2 such that the switching voltage SW is set to high level when a pulse is generated in the set signal SET and the switching voltage SW is reset to low level when a pulse is generated in the reset signal RST.

With the switching power supply 100 of this embodiment, it is possible, using the output feedback control circuit including the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b, to drive the switching output circuit 110 by fixed on-time operation so as to reduce the error signal ERR (=ERRP−ERRN).

In particular, by performing output feedback control using not only voltage feedback information Vinfo but also current feedback information Iinfo, even when the ripple component on the feedback voltage FB is small (for example, in a case where a ceramic capacitor with a low ESR (equivalent series resistance) is used as the capacitor 114), it is possible to achieve stable output feedback control.

<Introduction of Remote Sense Function>

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of introducing a remote sense function. The switching power supply 100 according to this configuration example, while being based on FIG. 1 described previously, includes an external terminal (a remote sense terminal T5) for receiving a remote sense signal RSGND from the grounded terminal of a load RL to which the output voltage VOUT is fed. Preferably, the remote sense signal RSGND is fed, for example, to the error amplifier 140 (details to be described later).

In general, the wiring pattern connected to the grounded terminal of the load RL is designed with a low impedance (for example, 10 mΩ). Inconveniently, if a large output current IOUT (for example, 1 A) passes through the load RL, an unignorable potential variation (for example 10 mV) occurs at the grounded terminal of the load RL. For example, assuming that the target value of the output voltage VOUT is 1 V, this potential variation corresponds to an output error of 1%.

Thus, the switching power supply 100 according to this configuration example, in order to correct such a potential variation for enhanced accuracy of the output voltage VOUT, receives the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND. In the following descriptions, new embodiments are proposed regarding a method for feedback of the remote sense signal RSGND.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a tenth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the eighth embodiment (FIG. 11 ) described previously, further includes, as a means for receiving the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND, an amplifier 143 and a calculator 144.

The amplifier 143 amplifies the remote sense signal RSGND to output it to the calculator 144.

The calculator 144 superimposes (adds) the remote sense signal RSGND on the feedback voltage FB, to output it to each of the error amplifiers 140 a and 140 b.

In this way, with a configuration that receives the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND, it is possible to perform output feedback control such that the variation of the remote sense signal RSGND (and hence the potential variation at the grounded terminal of the load RL) is reduced, and thus to achieve enhanced accuracy of the output voltage VOUT.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the tenth embodiment. In FIG. 15 , frequency-gain characteristics L1 of the switching power supply 100 (in particular, the voltage feedback control loop) is indicated by the solid line, and frequency-gain characteristics L2 required of the amplifier 143 is indicated by the broken line.

As shown in FIG. 15 , it is required that the amplifier 143 secure a sufficient bandwidth to prevent effects on the frequency-gain characteristics L1 of the switching power supply 100. That is, the more the response speed of the switching power supply 100 is increased (the further a frequency f1 is shifted toward the high-frequency side), the higher the processing speed of the amplifier 143 needs to be (the further the frequency f2 needs to be shifted toward the high-frequency side).

In particular, with the switching power supply 100 having the low-speed path (that is, the error amplifier 140 a) and the high-speed path (that is, the error amplifier 140 b) separately, it is possible to achieve a significantly increased response speed without sacrificing its output accuracy. This makes it very difficult to increase the speed of the amplifier 143 following the improvement of response speed of the switching power supply 100.

In the following description, in view of the above-mentioned inconvenience, a new embodiment is proposed that can receive the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND without using the amplifier 143.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to an eleventh embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the eighth embodiment (FIG. 11 ) described previously, further includes, as a means for receiving the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND, a calculator 145.

The calculator 145 superimposes (adds) the remote sense signal RSGND not on the feedback voltage FB but on the reference voltage REF to output it to the error amplifier 140 a.

The capacitor Cc described previously is connected between the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 a (that is, the application terminal for the error signal ERR1) and an application terminal for the remote sense signal RSGND.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing frequency-gain characteristics in the eleventh embodiment. In FIG. 17 , the frequency-gain characteristics L1 of the switching power supply 100 (in particular, the voltage feedback control loop) is indicated by the solid line, and frequency-gain characteristics L3 of a remote sense signal path is indicated by the fine broken line.

Here, as shown in the balloon in FIG. 17 , the frequency-gain characteristics L3 of the remote sense signal path can be understood in a manner separated into frequency-gain characteristics L3 a (indicated by the coarse broken line) of a first signal path for superimposing the remote sense signal RSGND on the reference voltage REF and frequency-gain characteristics L3 b of a second signal path for feeding the remote sense signal RSGND to the capacitor Cc.

By providing the above-mentioned first signal path (the frequency-gain characteristics L3 a), it is possible to cover the lower frequency band via the low-speed error amplifier 140 a. Further, by providing the second signal path (the frequency-gain characteristics L3 b), it is possible to cover the higher frequency band via the high-speed error amplifier 140 b.

In other words, with the switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, by combining the first signal path (the frequency-gain characteristics L3 a) with the second signal path (the frequency-gain characteristics L3 b), of which both have been mentioned above, it is possible to achieve the frequency-gain characteristics L3 that is flat in the entire frequency bandwidth. Accordingly, the absence of the high-speed amplifier 143 does not have any adverse effects on the frequency-gain characteristics L1 of the switching power supply 100.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a switching power supply 100 according to a twelfth embodiment. The switching power supply 100 according to this embodiment, while being based on the seventh embodiment (FIG. 10 ) described previously, further includes, as a means for receiving the feedback input of the remote sense signal RSGND, a calculator 145.

The calculator 145 superimposes (adds) the remote sense signal RSGND on the reference voltage REF to output it to the error amplifier 140 a.

The capacitor Cc described previously is connected between the output terminal of the error amplifier 140 a (that is, the application terminal for the error signal ERR1) and the application terminal for the remote sense signal RSGND.

That is, focusing on the low-speed error amplifier 140 a, its input-output relationship is similar to that in the eleventh embodiment (FIG. 15 ), and the error amplifier 140 a will give effects similar to those mentioned previously.

<Combining the Embodiments>

The various embodiments described thus far can be combined freely unless inconsistent.

For example, it is possible to perform the fixed on-time output feedback control described as an example in the ninth embodiment (FIG. 12 ) using the error signal ERR generated in the second embodiment (FIG. 3 ), the third embodiment (FIG. 4 ), the fourth embodiment (FIG. 5 ), the fifth embodiment (FIG. 6 ), the sixth embodiment (FIG. 8 ), or the seventh embodiment (FIG. 10 ).

As to the introduction of the remote sense function, for example, with respect to the input and output of the error correction amplifier 243 according to the fourth embodiment (FIG. 5 ) or the fifth embodiment (FIG. 6 ), the remote sense signal RSGND may be fed. Specifically, the remote sense signal RSGND may be superimposed on the reference voltage REF, which is fed to the error correction amplifier 243, and also the remote sense signal RSGND may be fed to a terminal of the capacitor 244 connected to the output terminal of the error correction amplifier 243.

<Applications>

The switching power supply 100 described thus far can be used as a power supplying means in different applications, examples including a television receiver X as in FIG. 19 , a personal computer Y as in FIG. 20 , and a smartphone Z as in FIG. 21 . Needless to say, the switching power supply 100 can be applied to any other applications than those just mentioned.

<Overview>

To follow is an overview of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

For example, according to one aspect of what is disclosed herein, an output feedback control circuit includes a first amplifier configured to generate a first error signal commensurate with a difference between an output voltage fed to a load or a feedback voltage commensurate with the output voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, a second amplifier configured to be faster than the first amplifier and to generate a second error signal commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the first error signal or the reference voltage, a calculator configured to superimpose a remote sense signal derived from a grounded terminal of the load on the reference voltage fed to the first amplifier, and a capacitor connected between an application terminal for the first error signal and an application terminal for the remote sense signal (a first configuration).

In the output feedback control circuit according to the first configuration described above, preferably, to an output terminal of the second amplifier, no capacitor is connected except for a parasitic element (a second configuration).

In the output feedback control circuit according to the first or second configuration described above, preferably, to the output terminal of the second amplifier, a resistor may be connected (a third configuration).

In the output feedback control circuit according to any one of the first to third configurations, preferably, the first amplifier has a first transconductance, and the second amplifier has a second transconductance different from the first transconductance (a fourth configuration).

The output feedback control circuit according to any one of the first to fourth configurations described above is, preferably, configured to determine a low-frequency gain using the first amplifier and a high-frequency gain using the second amplifier (a fifth configuration).

In the output feedback control circuit according to any one of the first to fifth configurations described above, preferably, the second amplifier is configured to generate the second error signal commensurate with the difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the first error signal, and the second error signal is output as an error signal (a sixth configuration).

In the output feedback control circuit according to any one of the first to fifth configurations described above, preferably, the second amplifier is configured to generate the second error signal commensurate with the difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the reference voltage, and an addition/subtraction signal of the first error signal and the second error signal is output as an error signal (a seventh configuration).

According to another aspect of what is disclosed herein, an output feedback control circuit includes a switching output circuit configured to generate an output voltage from an input voltage to feed the output voltage to a load, and the output feedback control circuit having the sixth or seventh configuration described above which is configured to receive the output voltage, or a feedback voltage commensurate with the output voltage, and a remote sense signal derived from a grounded terminal of the load, to perform output feedback control for the switching output circuit (an eighth configuration).

The output feedback control circuit according to the eighth configuration described above is, preferably, configured to drive the switching output circuit by fixed-frequency operation so as to reduce the error signal (a ninth configuration).

The output feedback control circuit according to the eighth configuration described above is, preferably, configured to drive the switching output circuit by fixed on-time operation so as to reduce the error signal (a tenth configuration).

<Further Modifications>

The various technical features disclosed herein may be implemented in any other manners than in the embodiments described above, and allow for any modifications made without departure from their technical ingenuity.

For example, a switching power supply in which an output feedback control circuit is incorporated may be configured to have a fixed switching frequency fsw (FIG. 1 , etc.) or to have a variable switching frequency fsw (FIG. 12 , etc.). Whether to employ current mode control or voltage mode control does not matter either.

An error amplifier may be either of a single output type or of a differential output type.

An output feedback control circuit can be applied not only to switching power supplies but also to power supplies of any other types, and even to devices other than power supplies such as servo mechanisms.

In this way, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to be in every aspect illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the description of the embodiments given above but by the appended claims, and should be understood to encompass any modifications made in a sense and scope equivalent to those of the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Output feedback control circuits according to what is disclosed herein find applications in, for example, switching power supplies or servo mechanisms, in which output feedback control needs to be performed so that the output voltage or a feedback voltage commensurate with it remains equal to a predetermined reference voltage.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   100 switching power supply     -   110 switching output circuit     -   111 output transistor (PMOSFET)     -   112 synchronous rectification transistor (NMOSFET)     -   113 inductor     -   114 capacitor     -   120 feedback voltage generation circuit     -   121, 122 resistor     -   130 reference voltage generation circuit     -   140, 140 a, 140 b error amplifier     -   141 buffer     -   142 calculator     -   143 amplifier     -   144, 145 calculator     -   150 ramp signal generation circuit     -   160 oscillator     -   170 PWM comparator     -   180 control circuit     -   190 switch driving circuit     -   191, 192 driver     -   200 semiconductor integrated circuit device (power control         device)     -   210 low-side current sensor     -   211 switch     -   212 resistor     -   220 information synthesizer     -   221, 222 resistor     -   230 information holder     -   231, 232 sample and hold circuit     -   240 error corrector     -   241 comparator     -   242 digital calibrator     -   243 error correction amplifier     -   244 capacitor     -   245 resistor     -   246 digital calibrator     -   247 error correction amplifier     -   250 on-time setter     -   Cc, Cp capacitor     -   Rc, Ro resistor     -   RL load     -   T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 external terminal     -   X television receiver     -   Y personal computer     -   Z smartphone 

1. An output feedback control circuit, comprising: a first amplifier configured to generate a first error signal commensurate with a difference between an output voltage, which is fed to a load, or a feedback voltage commensurate therewith, and a predetermined reference voltage; a second amplifier configured to be faster than the first amplifier and to generate a second error signal commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the first error signal or the reference voltage; a calculator configured to superimpose a remote sense signal, which is derived from a grounded terminal of the load, on the reference voltage, which is fed to the first amplifier; and a capacitor connected between an application terminal for the first error signal and an application terminal for the remote sense signal.
 2. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein no capacitor other than a parasitic element is connected to an output terminal of the second amplifier.
 3. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein a resistor is connected to an output terminal of the second amplifier.
 4. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first amplifier is configured to have a first transconductance, and the second amplifier is configured to have a second transconductance different from the first transconductance.
 5. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the output feedback control circuit is configured to determine a low-frequency gain using the first amplifier and a high-frequency gain using the second amplifier.
 6. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the second amplifier is configured to generate the second error signal commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the first error signal, and the second error signal is output as an error signal.
 7. The output feedback control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the second amplifier is configured to generate the second error signal commensurate with a difference between the output voltage or the feedback voltage and the reference voltage, and an addition/subtraction signal of the first error signal and the second error signal is output as an error signal.
 8. A switching power supply, comprising: a switching output circuit configured to generate an output voltage from an input voltage to feed the output voltage to a load; and the output feedback control circuit according to claim 6 configured to receive the output voltage or the feedback voltage commensurate therewith and the remote sense signal, which is derived from the grounded terminal of the load, to perform output feedback control of the switching output circuit.
 9. The switching power supply according to claim 8, wherein the output feedback control circuit is configured to drive the switching output circuit by fixed-frequency operation so as to reduce the error signal.
 10. The switching power supply according to claim 8, wherein the output feedback control circuit is configured to drive the switching output circuit by fixed on-time operation so as to reduce the error signal. 